New frontiers in flavor, color, and sweeteners during the post-COVID-19 period: A systematic review

In response to COVID-19, consumers are increasingly seeking out new and innovative food options that can help boost their immune systems. These options include vegan alternatives to meat, seafood, dairy, egg, and egg products, as well as nutraceuticals and functional foods. However, the impact of flavor trends on the reflection of COVID-19 and the evolution of food innovation practices is complex and remarkably uncertain. Therefore, this systematic review highlights trends in flavors and colorants and current innovative approaches to overcome challenges in flavor creation during this unprecedented time. To date, there have not been any systematic reviews of the trend in flavor and color, not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but also in the period following it. Knowledge of flavor trends is especially needed for popular food categories. Three databases and important webpages were searched from January 2020 to June 2023 and 87 studies were selected to compose the sample for this systematic review. The results were sufficient eligible studies and reports to identify trends in flavor and colorants in vegan foods, adult foods, sports nutrition, and nutraceuticals for children. The selection of the right ingredients (flavor, colorant, and sweeteners) and the non-flavor masking method may allow product developers to overcome challenges during product development in the post-pandemic period. It is foreseeable that botanical and floral flavors as single or in their combinations will continue to be popular due to their effect on consumer well-being. However, the flavor trends in vegan and kid's products have not been explored in depth despite their popularity. This review may help develop new and improved flavors for a variety of products in the future.